The objective of this study was to test the effects of two types of intervention, one based on small-sided games (SSGs), and the other one that had, in addition, a behavioral component consisting of goal setting, public posting, and positive reinforcement. The participants were 16 male soccer players aged 12–14 years old who participated in a couple of training sessions per week between August and November 2021. We used Playr Catapult GPS devices to assess the effect of the intervention on the total distance covered and total sprint distance in the task of playing SSGs. We used Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 to test the effect of the intervention on players’ aerobic capacity and the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire to investigate levels of motivational climate. Multiple two-way mixed ANOVAs were conducted and the results indicated that our intervention had a positive effect on the total distance and total sprint distance covered during SSGs. For aerobic capacity, even if the results were not significant, they indicate a high effect size. The effect of the intervention on task-oriented motivational climate and ego-oriented motivational climate was not significant. Discussions focus on the application of the intervention in team training settings.

Limited research has explored the impact of balance training on young alpine skiers, despite its recognized importance in the sport. This study evaluated the effects of a 10-week dry-land balance training program on the balance and skiing technique of skiers aged 9–11 years. The program employed five training modalities: neuromuscular, plyometric, core stability, proprioceptive, and equipment-based balance training. Thirty participants were divided into experimental and control groups based on their initial SKI IQ scores. The assessments included static balance (BTS P-Walk), explosive power (BTS G-Walk), and on-snow metrics (SKI IQ; balance, pressure, and edging) using CARV technology. The statistical analysis revealed significant improvements in the experimental group for the SKI IQ (F = 13.239; p = 0.001; η² = 0.321) in terms of the balance metric (F = 4.800; p = 0.037) and pressure metric (F = 8.084; p = 0.008), and for the static balance parameters, such as mediolateral stability in a two-legged stance (F = 4.304; p = 0.047; η² = 0.133) and anteroposterior stability in eyes-closed conditions (F = 14.249; p = 0.001; η² = 0.337). The single-leg stance stability and explosive force (F = 6.08; p = 0.02) also showed marked enhancements. The edging performance, however, showed no significant change. This study underscores the value of balance training for enhancing young skiers’ performance metrics and highlights wearable technology as an effective tool for real-time feedback. Integrating balance-focused programs into alpine skiing preparation can boost performance.

Background: Executive functions, notably attention and processing speed, are essential for athletic performance, especially in sports that require quick reactions and decision-making under pressure. The current study aims to assess the impact of the SmartACT program—a psychological intervention that includes acceptance and commitment therapy, hypnosis, and guided imagery—on attentional processes and psychological flexibility in adolescent student-athletes. Methods: This 7-week quasi-experimental controlled study investigated the efficacy of SmartACT in adolescent student-athletes aged 15 to 18. A total of 309 individuals were divided into three groups using convenience sampling: SmartACT (n = 93), MAC (Mindfulness–Acceptance–Commitment, the standardized Gardner & Moore technique; n = 109), and control (n = 107). The d2 test was used to examine attention and visual processing, while the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire—II (AAQ-II) was used to assess psychological flexibility, both before and after the intervention. The data were analyzed using mixed-design repeated-measures ANOVA and paired-samples t-tests. Results: The SmartACT group showed significant improvement on both tests, specifically in the total number of items processed in the d2 test (457.83 to 600.24; p < 0.001), and experiential avoidance, measured by AAQ-II, decreased (18.48 to 12.80; p < 0.001), indicating increased psychological flexibility. Conclusions: The main findings of our study suggest that integrating ACT with hypnosis and imagery may enhance cognitive attentional functions and psychological flexibility in adolescent student-athletes.

Information about the paper titled "INTERDISCIPLINARY INVESTIGATION OF THE IMPACT OF A BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION ON THE TOTAL DISTANCE COVERED IN SMALL-SIDED SOCCER GAMES" at IATED Digital Library